I have been roleplaying for a very long while, 2 years of which have been on the RPG forums, but, I am a fairly new GM. I mean I know the basics and I've GMed a few succesful roleplays, but I'm no expert. So I have an interesting topic for you guys today. In the past I have GMed some open application roleplays in the Casual and Advanced section, and my problem occurs in the casual section. Sometimes I open up a roleplay and I get good applications, but then there's always this one guy. This guy is the guy that fills everything out correctly, he doesn't really have anything wrong with his CS. Well, apart from one thing: they're writing skills are terrible. You can just see from their CS that they have bad grammar and weak writing foundation... how do you guys deal with this? I cant just outright reject these kinds of CSes because he/she did nothing wrong.. but at the same time I don't really want this person in my roleplay. I can't reject them without giving them a good reason...and if you say the truth you look like an asshole.

What do you guys think?

Either lower your standards a bit and accept them and roll with it, seeing how they go and giving them friendly pointers, hints and help with possibly improving their grammer and spelling and overall writing as you go along, because who knows they might be able to do so, or just be up front and say you don't think their writing standard neccessarily matches what you're looking for in your rp, and wish them the best of luck with their other rps. Personally I would go with the former if it was my rp, because if there's nothing wrong with their actual character and understanding of the rp then I'd be willing to give them a chance and try to help them improve their writing, however if you feel it's that detrimental to your enjoyment of your rp then be upfront and honest about it.

Well, chances are you can just outright reject him. You can outright reject anyone.

I would tell him you don't think he's cut out for the roleplay and explain why, in a decent way. The worst he'll do is get upset, but eventually get over it.

"Hello friend! I see you aren't using a Word Document program, may I suggest Libre Office..."

Watch the spelling skills shoot up like a rocket. Grammar should improve too, Libre Office has basic grammar checking tools. For instance, it sometimes spots improper punctuation.

As for the rest, helpful hints and pointers.

Believe me when I say that those you help out to improve, will remember that, and will stick with you assuming they aren't stuck up dicks about it.

If the player is a bad RP'er, a bad sport, or a bad writer, that's enough reason there to reject them. A lot of RPs have a minimum writing standard. Don't let technicalities make you keep them. I've seen a dozen GM/player mistakes where they let a problem player stick around because they didn't think there was a formal rule broken, or couldn't reject them for similar reasons. Bad idea.

If this is your problem, the previous advice works. Tell them they don't fit the kind of writing style or skill you're looking for, and wish them luck, or work with them to improve the problem and teach 'em something. Give them constructive criticism on what they should fix. If they're good-natured and cooperative, then I'd push you to give 'em a shot until they prove you shouldn't. If they put up an attitude and won't work with you, then that's a huge red flag and a green light to kick 'em out.

Don't get wrapped up in the writing flaws or pet peeves that bug you unless they're damaging. Not enough (particularly new) players get a chance when they're borderline acceptable, and they're usually not that bad and will rapidly improve.

Tick's advice is solid.

I feel that if I outright reject them I will look like an asshole to the other players.

Except if you're the one using the words 'writing skill', you're communicating "I'm looking for people better than you." Which is a pretty shitty thing to say. Specify what you're looking for. If it's grammar tell them their grammar is not up to scratch for your liking, if their sentences are confusing point that out. Never use the term 'writing skill' because it's such a broad term that doesn't relay any message other than one of "I'm better than you". Even if you don't want someone to be part of your RP, you should treat them as an equal.

Other than that, ain't got nothing that hasn't been said.

Inuyasha said
I feel that if I outright reject them I will look like an asshole to the other players.

You're not in control of that part.

You're in control of whether or not that player joins your RP, and, to an extent, whether you decide to put up with them/help them out or not to have to. That's the decision you have to make.

Second Kestrel's point. Be specific about what that player is doing (or not doing) that makes them unsuitable. At least that way they have something to look at and try to work on if they want to.

Kestrel and Tick have it right. Refer to their posts.

Thank you guys this has been pretty helpful.